Last week a few friends were exchanging one of those list, get-to-know-your-friends emails. One of the questions was, “What are you afraid of?”
Almost all of us answered something about our kids being kidnapped or dying.
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Lucy is away from me three days a week at daycare, generally from 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
She occasionally stays over night with family members.
I’ve yet to drop her off at a party or playgroup, although I sense that is coming — more from other parents as opposed to her wanting me to leave.
At just about four, I have very high-level conversations with her about safety. Not, like, road safety, or holding hands etc. But those dark safety topics.
Like strangers. And inappropriate touching.
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I can’t scare the poor thing. She has just come out of her shell the past six months, and the last thing I want to do is send her back in, traumatize her, or make her fearful of the world.
On the other hand, that education has to start somewhere at sometime, doesn’t it?
I try to bring it up nonchalantly, when it’s in context.
Like last night. Lucy has had three nights of dry pull-ups (!!!) and we were talking about the potty, peeing, how big girls wear underwear to bed, and baginas.
“But no one touches you there at school or anywhere else, right, Goosey?”
“Nope, Mumma. Juuuust me!” Then she skipped across the room to turn off her light.
*whew* Operation Scary Detail Soliciting a success.
We’ve talked a bit about only talking to people when Mumma or Daddy are with her. No matter who it is — friendly neighbours, family, daycare providers (except when AT daycare, of course). Gently. See: not scaring, above.
This weekend I want to teach her what 911 on the phone means, and when/how to use it.
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Thoughts? How do those with older kids — especially those in school — deal with this? How do you (or plan to) bring it up? Does 4 seem like an appropriate age to start all of this?